One of my fave Jesuit martyrs is Blessed Miguel Pro, a priest of the Society of Jesus (S.J.).
Today, we remember him and how he laid down his life for Christ in Mexico. Here's a black and white photo of him a few minutes before his execution before a firing squad. His crime: He was falsely accused of a political assassination attempt. His last words: Viva Cristo Rey!
Last week, Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao defeated his Mexican boxing rival. But today, and more importantly for all eternity, we remember this great Mexican martyr who, like St. Paul who died for Jesus, fought as though he were not shadow boxing.
In the spiritual life, martyrdom shows the real character of a real fighter in the ring. One does not shadow box. One fights to win! And to win for love of Jesus Christ who has already won the battle.
In this corner: Fr. Miguel Pro, weighing in with his faith in the Cross and love for the flock. In that corner: the persecuting government of Mexico in the 1920s, weighing in with all their political power and force at their disposal.
Yes, it seems odd that a country that was overwhelmingly Catholic -- some 90%+ of the population -- was experiencing persecution.
Padre Miguel would go around in disguise, celebrating Mass, hearing Confessions, baptizing and comforting the persecuted flock.
Here's a picture of him in one of his many disguises. Look out, Zartan! Look out, Mission: Impossible team!
I love this one where he's disguised as a plumber.
I can just imagine Padre Pro asking one of the officers pursuing him to light his cigarette while in disguise.
I even heard one time he approached a posted security guard who was guarding a house in which some Catholics were expecting him to say Mass.
Imagine this:
Father Miguel walks up to a house that is expecting him, approaches the guard posted at the front door, and engages in conversation with the very people pursuing him. Remember, he's a wanted man.
Fr. Pro: Senor, have you spotted that priest yet?
Guard: Not yet, Senor.
Fr. Pro: Well, let me know if you see him.
Guard: Si, Senor!
Fr. Pro walks in the house to celebrate Mass in secret.
After Mass, Fr. Pro walks out of the house and talks to the guard.
Fr. Pro: Any sight of that priest?
Guard: Not yet, Senor.
Fr. Pro: Well, be sure to keep an eye out for him.
Guard: Okay, Senor!
Fr. Pro then walks away.
I'm paraphrasing the story.
But you get the point.
Padre Miguel was bold!
Eventually, they caught him.
The government decided to take photos to scare the people.
Alas!
When will governments who try to destroy the Church ever learn? The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.
This photo posted above is Father Miguel in prayer before his execution. He forgives his executors.
It is really the first time someone's martyrdom is recorded in 20 centuries of the Church's history.
Viva Cristo Rey!
Holding a rosary in hand, he makes the shape of a Cross with his arms. He yells out for the last time: Viva Cristo Rey!
Long live Christ the King!
They put a bullet in his head just to make sure he's dead.
But viva Pade Miguel! He's alive in Christ!
Thank you, mil gracias, for your sacrifice, Padre Miguel!
I think of this passage today, and I dedicate it to this great Jesuit martyr. It's from one of St. Paul's letter:
"Every athlete exercises discipline in every way.
They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one.
Thus, I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing.
No, I drive my body and train for it, for fear that, after having preached to others,
I myself should be disqualified" (1 Cor. 9:25-27).
Run so as to win! And win the imperishable crown he did.
Rumors -- or perhaps fact? -- in the Vatican and Cebu are circulating that a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Pedro Calungsod (1654-1672) is being presented to Pope Benedict XVI.
If true, this means that the 2nd Filipino saint can be canonized soon if approved by the Pope.
What's more amazing is that this 17 year old catechist is a martyr of the Gospel of Christ. The first Filipino saint also died for his Faith.
It shows that Christian youth are not just recipients of the Gospel, but they are also heralds of the Gospel! In other words, they don't just go to classes and sit in faith formation courses.....NO! They are also catechists and proclaimers of the Word of God, as this Filipino priest from the Archdiocese of Cebu states in this interview:
He was martyred in what is today modern-day Guam, along with a Spanish priest whom he was defending.
I want to be a "nice" guy. I really do. Sincerely.
I don't like controversy. I'm not a fan of always rockin' the boat.
But every now and then my conscience gives me the ol electric shock or two to speak.
I try to speak as pastoral and gentle and with great love for my neighbor as possible.
I really do.
Sometimes it can come out strong.
But I guess as a classroom teacher and catechist my task is to present the Church's teaching, and then it is up to the soul to make the choice.
At least I've done my job.
Bl. John Paul the Great, Veritatis Splendor (1993)
One error pointed out in Vertitatis Splendor -- I don't know the exact quotation -- is the error of "consequentialism". This is the ideology that one makes moral choices based on the outcome of the act. Politically, it can be viewed as "utilitarianism," the ideology of the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
The truth is in the object, not the effect. In other words, something should be done because it's right, not b/c some good will come of it. Choices should be made looking at the moral act itself, not the consequences of the act.
I don't wanna pick on them, but people think politicians do this all the time. Politicians can be consequentialists when then want to win and election instead of speak the truth of the moral law.
But I cannot be a consequentialist. I cannot worry about the effects of my speaking out.
Yes, I realize that I am a sinner. But I am impelled to speak.
St. Paul talks about this -- I don't remember the exact quotation -- when he says something about woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel.
In one of the First Readings a couple of months ago, one of the Prophets said -- again, I cannot remember the exact quotation -- that his tongue cannot remain silent.
Elsewhere, the Scriptures talk about -- and I paraphrase -- If you do not speak out and the sinner dies, I will hold you accountable for his sin. But if you speak out and the sinner dies, I will not hold you accountable.
Thus, I feel impelled to speak.
I do penance for the times when I was silent. Or when my teaching could have been better.
Yes, the Scriptures say that there is a time to talk and a time to be silent. (I think this is in Ecclesiastes.)
But God has blessed me with gifts of knowledge and understanding -- I'm trying to grow in wisdom now more -- and I've been told it is a gift to share those.
Two issues, well three actually, are marriage and abortion. The third was the desecration of Our Lady in Rome. This third one outraged me more than the previous two.
I don't wanna worry about the consequences of my teaching. My task is to be faithful. "My teaching is not my own."
Yes, I pray that it may be done in the Spirit of Christ with pastoral love for the flock of God. This is true charity.
To teach in charity and truth. And of course to live in first and foremost as Papa Benny recently said in a papal address on the need for teachers to live the Faith they profess.
So there.
That's been on my mind.
I accept the consequences.
I cannot be a consequentialist.
I want to be a "nice" guy.
I really do.
Who wants to not be liked?
Who wants to always live their life always in exile?
Humanly speaking, of course.
But the thought of eternal life.
That puts things in perspective.
Holy Spirit, forgive me for not speaking when You want me to speak.
